Apparatus for converting information recorded on a magnetic recording sheet into visible information

ABSTRACT

A rotatably mounted drum is arranged to support a recording sheet with the columns of recorded information extending substantially axially of the drum, and a magnetic reproducing head is cooperable with the recording sheet and is mounted for movement axially of the drum. Photoelectric transducer means are operatively associated with the drum and aligned with the respective columns of recorded information. Printing mechanisms, equal in number, preferably to the number of photoelectric transducer means are arranged in adjacent relation, and each printing mechanism is operative responsive to cojoint operation of a respective photoelectric transducer means and detection of an information bit by the reproducing head. In one embodiment of the invention, a light source is arranged within the drum adjacent an aperture in the drum wall, and photoelectric transducers are arranged circumferentially of the drum for consecutive activation by the light source as the drum rotates. The photoelectric transducers are connected in parallel with each other to the reproducing head and each transducer is connected to the operating means of a respective printing mechanism. In another embodiment of the invention, a single light source is operatively associated with a single photoelectric transducer, and the drum is formed with a series of apertures extending circumferentially thereof, in a common radial plane with the light source and the photoelectric transducer, each aperture being associated with a particular column of recorded information. the reproducing head and the photoelectric transducer are connected to the input of an AND circuit whose output is connected to a diode matrix which is controlled by a reset type flip-flop, and the diode matrix is connected to the operating means of the respective printing mechanisms.

United States Patent 91 Yamada 1 APPARATUS FOR CONVERTING INFORMATIONRECORDED ON A MAGNETIC RECORDING SHEET INTO VISIBLE INFORMATION [75]Inventor: Isao Yamada, Tokyo, Japan [73] Assignee: Kabushiki KaishaRicoh, Tokyo,

' Japan i [22] Filed: Jan. 15, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 106,645

[58] Field of Search .340/174.1 A, 174.1 H, 174.1 K; l79/l00.2 R, 100.2S; 346/33 A, 33 M [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,901,7308/1959 Goddard ..340/l74.l A 3,075,050 1/1963 Lorenz ..l79/l00.2 S3,617,651 11/1971 Bell ..l79/100.2R 3,184,581 5/1965 Willoughby...340/l74.l A 2,707,524 5/1955 Montgomery ..340/l74.l A

Primary ExaminerJames W. Moffitt Assistant Examiner-Jay P. LucasArt0rney.lohn J. McGlew 57 ABSTRACT A rotatably mounted drum is arrangedto support a 1 11] 3,711,655 1Z5? TIER 163573 reco rdingsheet with thecolumns of recorded information extending substantially axially of thedrum, and a magnetic reproducing head is cooperable with the recordingsheet and is mounted for movement axially of the drum. Photoelectrictransducer means are operatively associated with the drum and alignedwith the respective columns of recorded information. Printingmechanisms, equal in number, preferably to the number of photoelectrictransducer means are arranged in adjacent relation, and each printingmechanism is operative responsive to cojoint operation of a respectivephotoelectric transducer means and detection of an information bit bythe reproducing head. In one embodiment of the invention, a light sourceis arranged within the drum adjacent an aperture in the drum wall, andphotoelectric transducers are arranged circumferentially of the drum forconsecutive activation by the light source as the drum rotates. Thephotoelectric transducers are connected in parallel with each other tothe reproducing head and each transducer is connected to the operatingmeans of a respective printing mechanism. In another embodiment of theinvention, a single light source is operatively associated with a singlephotoelectric transducer, and the drum is formed with a series ofapertures extending circumferentially thereof, in a common radial planewith the light source and the photoelectric transducer, each aperturebeing associated with a particular column of recorded informatron. thereproducing head and the photoelectric transducer are connected to theinput of an AND circuit whose output is connected to a diode matrixwhich is controlled by a reset type flip-flop, and the diode matrix isconnected to the operating means of the respective printing mechanisms.

10 Claims, 23 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJAH 16 I973 3.711 655 sum 3 0F 7INVENTOR. ISAC Y AMA DA BY WWW PATENIEDJM 16 1975 SHEET 0F 7 INVENTOR..LSAO YA M A'DA BY.

Mc CUM W PATENTEDJAN 1975 3.711.655

sum 5 [1F 7 FIG. 8

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEB INVENTOR.

ISAo YA N A'DA BY M W PATENTEDJAH 16 ms 3.711.655

sum 6 OF 7 PC FIG. I2A Mm I I Pr I FIG. I2B LFL I I I I J I FL IL W553iFIG. I2D

P02 FIG. I2E

p FIG. I2F

P 1 n FIG. I2G

P n FIG. I2H

P FIG. I2I

P07 n FIG. I2J

Par FIG. I2K

INVENTOR.

I SAo YAMADA PATENTED AN 16 I975 3,711,655

SHEET 7 OF 7 INVENTOR. ISAB YAMAI BY mm W vv'wm APPARATUS FOR CONVERTINGINFORMATION RECORDED ON A MAGNETIC RECORDING SHEET INTO VISIBLEINFORMATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As best illustrated in FIGS. 1and 2, a magnetic recording sheet S used with the reproducing apparatusof the invention has the same size as a United States one dollar note,and has magnetic marks or information m bits M arranged longitudinallythereof beginning with an initial magnetic bit M1. The magneticinformation is actually invisible on the sheet S, but is shown as dashesin order to provide an understanding of the invention. The magneticmarks or information bits M represent information on a change in aphysical state, including the presense or absence of an object, such aslight, heat, humidity, pressure, vibration, etc., and which informationis recorded chronologically in the form of binary signal pulsesrepresenting YES and NO to a given proposition. The magnetic marks Mrepresenting the pulses are recorded, for example, by a work sampler,such as shown in FIG. 2, in which the magnetic recording sheet S iswound on a drum 1 by suitable means and in a manner such that sheet S iscorrectly positioned on drum I by engagement of drum projections la and1b in positioning openings S1 and S2 formed in shoulders at the forwardend of sheet S, and by overlapping the forward end of the sheet and therearward end thereof. Drum 1 is stepped angularly each minute, forexample, so as to shift magnetic sheet S circumferentially through adistance sufficiently long to permit a magnetic mark M to be recorded onsheet S.

A magnetic recording head 2 is maintained in contact with the outerperipheral surface of drum 1, and is arranged to be progressively andslowly advanced axially of drum 1 in chronological sequence inconjunction with the intermittent angular advance of drum I. A change inany of the mentioned physical states is detected by a suitable detectorand converted into binary signal pulses which are supplied to magnetichead 2 each time drum 1 moves angularly, for recording as magnetic marksM on sheet S by magnetic head 2 each time drum 1 temporarily remainsstationary. The magnetic marks M recorded on sheet S on drum 1 arearranged to form a helical locus.

Magnetic recording sheet S, shown in FIG. I, has magnetic information Mrecorded thereon when drum 1 makes one complete revolution in 60minutes, and it will be noted that a sixtieth magnetic bit M2 ispositioned at the top of the second column adjacent the first magneticbit M1. The work sampler usedfor keeping such a record is capable ofmaking a record over a period of 24 hours, so that magnetic marks M orrecorded information bits M] are recorded in 24 columns on sheet S.

It is to be noted that the magnetic bits M are recorded by alternatelyrendering magnetic recording head 2 operative and inoperative by therespective signal pulses YES and NO, and magnetic bits corresponding toone of these two signal pulses are recorded while those corresponding tothe other signal pulse are not recorded on sheet S.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to magnetic reproducingand translation apparatus and, more particularly, to such an apparatusfor reproducing magnetic information bits recorded chronologically on amagnetic recording sheet by converting a change in a physical state intobinary physical pulses representing YES and NO, and providing a visibleindication of the recorded information.

In accordance with the invention, a magnetic reproducing head isoperatively associated with the rotatable drum carrying a magneticrecording sheet having information recorded thereon, and photoelectrictransducer means are also operatively associated with the rotatabledrum. Print-out mechanisms are further provided and are operativeresponsive to simultaneous activation of a respective photoelectrictransducer means and detection of an information bit by the reproducinghead.

The objective of the invention is to provide a reproducing apparatuspermitting accurate reproduction of information recorded on a magneticrecording sheet in the form of magnetic marks or bits, and whichapparatus is reliable in performance.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an apparatus by whichthe magnetic information may be accurately translated into written orvisible information.

A further object of the invention is to provide such an apparatus whichis simple, efficient and reliable in operation.

For an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference ismade to the following description of typical embodiments thereof asillustrated in the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the magnetic recording sheetusable with the reproducing apparatus embodying the invention; 7

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary magneticrecording apparatus operable to record information on the magneticrecording sheet shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic front elevation view of one embodiment ofapparatus, in accordance with the invention, for reproducing informationrecorded on a magnetic recording sheet;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view, partly in section, of the apparatusshown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a block circuit diagram of the apparatus shown in FIGS. 3 and4;

FIG. 6 is a partial schematic perspective view of printing mechanismincorporated in the reproducing apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the printing mechanism, illustratingits manner of operation;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary front elevation view of another embodiment ofreproducing apparatus in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 9 is a partial axial sectional view of the apparatus shown in FIG.8;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are schematic block diagrams of the circuitry of thereproducing apparatus shown in FIG. 8;

FIGS. I2A-12K are diagrammatic illustrations of the pulses produced bythe circuit shown in FIG. 10; and

FIG. 13 is a plan view of one embodiment of a sheet, for visiblyrecording information, used in the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring first to FIG. 3, amagnetic recording sheet S is mounted, by suitable means, on a drum 31in such a manner that magnetic marks or bits M, recorded on sheet S eachminute, are disposed on the sheet in a manner such that vertical columnsof marks M are disposed parallel to the generating lines of drum 31.Such position of sheet S on drum 31 may be effected, for example, byengaging projections 31a and 31b in positioning openings S1 and S2,respectively, formed in magnetic recording sheet S.

Drum 31 is supported by a shaft 32 on which there is secured a gear 33meshing with a gear 34, of the same diameter, secured on a shaft 35.Shaft 35 has an externally threaded portion 35a which is in threadedengagement with a support 37 for a reproducing head 36, for movement ofhead 36 over the magnetic sheet S.

Support 37 is arranged to move axially of thread 35a a distancecorresponding to one pitch of this thread as shaft 35 makes one completerevolution. Shaft 35 is so connected to drum 31, through gears 33 and34, that, when drum 31 makes one complete revolution, shaft 35 alsomakes one complete revolution. The pitch of the threads on threadedportion 35a is such that magnetic reproducing head 36 intersectssuccessively, and reads, the marks M of one horizontal row afteranother, by tracing such marks while moving across the width of magneticrecording sheet S by shifting its position relative to magnetic sheet Swhich rotates with drum 31. Head 36 forms a helical locus or path oftravel on sheet S, which is indicated by dash-and-dot lines in FIG. 3.

If sheet S is mounted on drum 31 as described, then marks M are disposedon the helical locus or path of movement of head 36 as shown by thedash-and-dot lines. After its starting position is determined,reproducing head 36 traces this locus by moving across the width ofsheet S and successively reads marks M arranged in horizontal rows onthe sheet.

If we refer to marks M disposed longitudinally of sheet 31 on drum 31,or extending axially of drum 31, as being arranged in columns, and tothe marks disposed transversely of sheet S, or in the direction in whichthey are read by head 36, as being arranged in rows, the operation willbe clear. A number of photoelectric transducer elements L are mounted,as shown in FIG. 4, above the outer surface of drum 31, and arranged ina row in the direction in which the marks M are read. Photoelectrictransducer elements L; disposed above and circumferentially of theperipheral surface of drum 61, have a center angle correspondingsubstantially, in value, to the center angle between the columns ofmarks M with the center axis of drum 31 serving as the center of theangles.

Within drurn 31, and opposite transducer element L with respect to theperipheral surface of drum 31, there is an illumination light source 38which is secured to the body of drum 31. A small opening H, throughwhich light is transmitted from source 38 and incident on one of thephotoelectric elements L, is formed in the circumferential wall of drum31 adjacent one end thereof. It should be understood that photoelectrictransducer elements L may be mounted inside drum 31 and light source 38may be mounted outside drum 31. The photoelectric transducer elements Lmay be photo-transistors, cadmium sulfide elements, and the like. Ifnecessary, a condenser lens may be operatively associated with lightsource 38.

Head 36 moves relatively in a direction in which it intersectssuccessively the columns of magnetic marks, by starting at the firstmagnetic mark in the first column and successively traversing the rowsof magnetic marks while reading thev magnetic pulses and producingreadout pulses. Correspondingly, light source 38 is successively indexedwith photoelectric transducer elements L through opening H, startingwith transducer element L1, corresponding to the magnetic marks M in thefirst column, as drum 31 rotates, with the result that transducerelements L are successively triggered or fired in synchronism with thereading of magnetic marks M by head 36. In order thattransducer elementsL may be successively fired in synchronism with the reading of magneticmarks M by head 36, it is necessary to provide opening H in a positionsuch that the light from source 38 is incident on the firstphotoelectric transducer element when the magnetic marks in the firstcolumn are read by head 36. If this criteria is met, transducer elementsL may be provided in any position and in any manner, as desired. Thenumber of photoelectric transducer elements L may be equal to or largerthan the number of columns of magnetic marks M and magnetic recordingsheet S, and transducer elements L may be provided around the entireperiphery of drum 31, if desired.

Marks M on sheet S are read successively and converted into signalpulses by reproducing head 36, and these pulses are transmitted throughan amplifier A to a wave-form shaping circuit W, as shown in FIG. 5.After being converted into rectangular waves in circuit W, the signalpulses are supplied to photoelectric transducer elements L which arearranged in the following order: elements L1 elements Lr elements Ln,corresponding to the columns of marks M on sheet S. All thephotoelectric transducer elements L are connected in shunt or parallelto the output of wave-form shaping circuit W.

If a mark M in the first column and first row is read by head 36, thelight from source 38 passing through opening H is incident onphotoelectric transducer element L1 corresponding to this mark, so thattransducer element L1 is fired or activated while the other transducerelements L2 Lr Ln remain unfired. Accordingly, the readout signalproduced by reading mark M in the first column and first row is checkedby element L1 and supplied to amplifier A1 as element L1 is activated.The readout signals are checked by the different phototransducerelements L as head 36 successively reads magnetic marks M in differentcolumns and transmits the readout signals to amplifiers A1 Ar An throughphotoelectric transducer elements L1 Lr. Ln, which are fired insuccession.

Amplifiers A1 Ar. An are connected to respective magnets Mgl Mgr Mgn ofprinting mechanisms described hereinafter. The readout signals aretransmitted successively to these electromagnets to energize the same.When the magnetic marks M on sheet 8 are arranged in 24 columns,photoelectric transducer elements L, amplifiers A and electromagnets Mgmay be twenty-four or more in number and arranged in series.

FIG. 6 illustrates one of a set of printing mechanisms renderedoperative when a signal pulse produced by reading a magnetic mark M isappliedthereto, and the magnetic marks M are reproduced and printed on asheet of recording paper 40, which is illustrated in FIG. 13. Theinvention apparatus comprises a set of printing mechanisms which areequal to or greater in number than the columns of magnetic marks onmagnetic recording sheet 8. All the printing mechanisms are similar inconstruction and operation, so that only the one printing mechanismwhich is actuated by electromagnet Mgr will be described.

In FIG. 6, electromagnet Mgr is disposed in operative relation with abent arm 1010 of the lever 101 pivotal on a shaft 202. Lever 101 hasanother arm l0lb bearing against a lower end portion 102a of a latchinglever 102, due to the weight of bent arm 101a. Lever 102, which isbiased by a spring 103 to move to the right and upwardly as viewed inFIG. 7, has a latching arm 1021: which abuts a shaft 104 and which isretained in position by flanges 104a on shaft 104 so that lever 102 canpivot about shaft 104. Lever 102 is formed with a finger 102s whichfaces one arm 105a of a printing lever 105 loosely pivoted on a shaft106 and having a second arm which is formed with a printing portion 105bfacing a platen 107.

Printing lever 105 is biased by a spring 108 to pivot counterclockwiseabout shaft 106, as viewed in FIG. 7. The other arm of lever 105,carrying printing portion 105b, extends through a slot in a guide comb109, and abuts the bottom edge of this respective slot. An upper end102b of latching lever 102 faces a cam 110 mounted on a shaft 111 andwhich has a cam 112 fixed to one end thereof. A lever 113, as best seenin FIG. 6, which is loosely pivoted on a shaft 114, has an arm 1130which bears against cam 112 and another arm which supports a pawl 115through a pivot. Paw] 115 is biased by a spring 116 to cause its pawlend 115a to press against the outer periphery of a ratchet 118 securedto a shaft 117 supporting platen 107. Rollers 120 mounted on a rotatableshaft 119 press against platen 107.

A sheet of recording paper 40, which is shown in FIG. 13, is disposedbetween rollers 120 and platen 107, with its printed surface facingoutwardly and with the paper being correctly positioned. Recording paper40 is adapted to have the time clasped recorded in hours in horizontalrows and in minutes in vertical columns. Paper 40 is mounted on platen107 by being inserted between the platen and the rollers from behindplaten 107, with the upper end of paper 40, as viewed in FIG. 13, actingas a leading end. Recording paper 40 is completely mounted on platen 107by feed means, which have not been shown, and a carbon tape or ribon122, as best seen in FIG. 7, is disposed between the surface of platen107 and printing portion 105!) of lever 105.

Shaft 111, supporting cam 110, is adapted to be rotated by drum 31 insynchronism therewith, through the medium of a gear 123, secured toshaft 11, an intermediate gear 124 meshing with gear 123 and gear 33(FIG. 3) which meshes with gear 124. Electromagnet Mgr is energized whena signal is transmitted thereto and deenergized when no signal istransmitted thereto.

Arm 101a of lever 101 is moved away from electromagnet Mgr under thebias of spring 103 which biases lever 102 to move arm 101a away fromelectromagnet Mgr when the latter is deenergized. At this time, theupper end of lever 102 is displaced away from cam 110, as seen as FIGS.6 and 7. If electromagnet Mgr is energized, arm 101a of lever 101 isattracted thereto, so that lever 101 pushes and moves, with its arm101b, latching lever 102 to pivot counterclockwise about shaft 104. As aresult, the upper end. 102d of lever 102 is pressed against theperiphery of cam 1 l0.

Cam 110 makes one complete revolution in the direction of arrow a (FIG.7) when drum 31 makes one complete revolution. When latching lever 102presses against cam 110, the cam rotates in engagement with lever 102and a projection on its peripheral surface moves lever 102 downwardly.Lever 102 moves downwardly along a guide pin 125, and its finger 102cdepresses arm a of printing lever 105, which accordingly pivotsclockwise, as viewed in FIG. 7, about shaft 106, so that printingportion 105b strikes recording paper 40 through carbon ribbon or tape122 to print an information mark on paper 40. Thereby, one magnetic markread by reproducing head 36 is recorded on recording paper 40.

Drum 31 and cam rotate at a relatively high speed, such as 2 rps. Thus,the downward movement of lever 102 takes place in an instant, and theprinting motion of lever 105 is performed at a relatively high speed.Latching lever 102 is returned to its original position under the biasof spring 103 as soon as it is released from engagement with cam 110,and printing lever 105 is also restored to its original position inslaved relation to lever 102.

Electromagnet Mgr, lever 101, latching lever 102, printing lever 105 andcam 110 are a set constituting one printing mechanism. If magneticrecording sheet S has marks M arranged thereon in twenty-four columns,reproducing head reads 24 magnetic marks while drum 31 makes onecomplete revolution. Thus, if 24 or more sets of printing mechanisms areprovided, then 24 information marks can be recorded on recording paper40 while cam shaft 111 makes one complete revolution. When this is thecase, cams 10 are angularly oriented in such a manner that theprojections on their periphery are progressively angularly offset fromeach other so that, when each magnetic mark is correct, the printinglever 105 corresponding to the particular magnetic mark prints, onrecording paper 40, an information mark corresponding to the particularmagnetic mark M.

When printing of the information corresponding to magnetic marks M ofone row, or 24 magnetic marks in the embodiment described, is completed,cam 112 (FIG. 6) causes lever 113 to pivot so that pawl tooth 1 15a ofpawl member 115 displaces ratchet wheel 118 angularly a distance equalto the spacing between two adjacent ratchet teeth. This angulardisplacement of ratchet wheel 118 causes platen 107 to be angularlydisplaced through the same angular amount so as to shift recording paper40 in the direction of arrow c in FIG. 7. Thus, recording paper 40 isadvanced a distance corresponding to one line of information marks, soas to cause a blank space for the next line to be juxtaposed to theprinting portions 105a of printing levers 105.

It will be understood that the magnetic marks on magnetic recordingsheet S are read by reproducing head 36 along the rows thereof, and arerecorded on recording paper 40, by the printing mechanisms, asinformation marks along the columns thereof. As the described operationis repeated, all the magnetic marks are recorded as visible informationmarks on recording paper 40.

In FIG. 7, lever 10], latching lever 102 and printing lever 105, asillustrated, have their arms extending through respective comb-toothportions 126a, l26b and 126e, respectively, of a guide comb 126 and areguided thereby in order to assure that these levers operate accurately.One set of comb slots is provided for each printing mechanism, andflange 1040 holding latching lever 102 in position is also provided foreach set of printing mechanisms.

The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3 and described above ischaracterized in that a single small opening is provided in thecircumferential periphery of drum 31, and a plurality of photoelectrictransducer elements L, corresponding in number to the columns ofmagnetic marks on sheet S, are provided to form the synchronous orsynchronizing signals. It will be understood, however, that a singlephotoelectric transducer element and a number of small openings in thecircumferential periphery of drum 31 can be provided in accordance withthe invention, and such an arrangement will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 8, small openings 2H, equal in number to the columnsof marks M on recording sheet S are formed in the circumferential wallof drum 231 adjacent one axial end thereof, the openings 2H extending inalignment circumferentially of the drum or in the direction in which themagnetic marks are scanned or read by the reproducing head. The angularspacing of the openings 2H is equal to the angular spacing of thecolumns of magnetic marks M on a magnetic recording sheet S mounted ondrum 231. In the illustrated embodiment, marks M are arranged in 24columns, so that 24 small openings 2H are formed in drum 231.

As further shown in FIG. 8, a light source 238 is positioned inside drum231 in alignment with the openings 2H, and a photoelectric transducerelement 239 is positioned outside drum 231, the openings 2H, lightsource 238, and transducer 239 being arranged in the same radial plane.It will be noted that light source 238 and transducer element 239 are soarranged that the path of light rays from source 238 incident ontransducer element 239 is successively intersected by the small openings2H, as shown in FIG. 9. It will be understood that photoelectrictransducer element 239 could be mounted inside drum 231 and light source238 could be mounted outside drum 231, in accordance with the design ofthe apparatus. A solar battery, a phototransistor, a cadmium sulfidedevice or the like may be used as the photoelectric transducer element239 and, if necessary, a condenser lens or the like may be providedbetween light source 238 and photoelectric transducer element 239.

Reproducing head 36 (FIG. 3) reads the magnetic marks M by starting at afirst mark in a first column and moving relatively peripherally of thedrum or in a direction in which it successively intersects the columnsof magnetic marks and produces signal pulses responsive to each markread. Correspondingly, photoelectric transducer element 239 produces afirst pulse as the light passing through a small opening 2H1,corresponding to the first column of magnetic marks (FIG. 8), isincident on element 239 when opening 2H1 is indexed with element 239 andlight source 238. The

transducer element produces a second pulse when the opening 2H2 isindexed with element 239'and light source 238, so that photoelectrictransducer element 239 produces clock pulses corresponding to thecolumns of magnetic marks, in synchronism with the reading of themagnetic marks by reproducing head 36.

In order that such clock pulses may be reproduced in synchronism withthe reading of the magnetic marks by reproducing head 36, light source238 and photoelectric transducer element 239 should be positionedcorrectly with respect to reproducing head 36, and openings 2H should bepositioned correctly with respect to the corresponding columns ofmagnetic marks on recording sheet S mounted on drum 231. However, thetolerances for the positioning are not strict. What is required is toprovide light source 238, transducer element 239 and openings 2H inpositions such that the first small opening 2H1 is indexed with lightsource 238 and transducer element 239, and disposed on the light path O,when reproducing head 36 intersects the firstcolumn of magnetic marks onsheet S.

It is essential that the openings 2I-I are spaced angularly apart adistance corresponding to the angular distance between the columns ofmagnetic marks M on sheet S. The number of openings 2H may be equal toor larger than the number of columns of magnetic marks M, and openings2H can be formed around the entire periphery of drum 231. If this is thecase, the clock pulses are produced withouta break, so that the columnsof magnetic marks M arranged on sheet S can be greater in number than24. In such case, it is necessary to increase the number of sets ofprinting mechanisms to correspond with the number of columns of magneticmarks.

Magnetic marks M on recording sheet S are read successively byreproducing head 36, which produces and transmits signal pulses to awave-form shaping circuit Wa through the medium of an amplifier Aa, asshown in FIG. 10. The signal pulses from reproducing head 36 areconverted into rectangular pulses Pr, as shown in FIG. 128, suchconversion being effected in circuit Wa, and the pulses are supplied toan AND circuit. Correspondingly, clock pulses produced by photoelectrictransducer element 239 are transmitted to a wave-form shaping circuit Wbthrough an amplifier Ab and converted into rectangular pulses Pc, asshown in FIG. 12A, and are likewise supplied to the AND circuit. The twoseries of pulses Pr and Pc are compared with each other in the ANDcircuit, and irregular pulses attributable to noises, or to turning onand off of the power source, are removed from the pulse series. Thus,the pulses Pa, as shown in FIG. 12C, released from the AND circuit, arein correct form and are supplied to switch means SW shown in FIG. 10.The AND circuit is so constructed that it produces a pulse Pa whenpulses Pr and Pr: are simultaneously fed thereto, and does not produce apulse Pa when a pulse Pr is supplied thereto without there being a pulsePc supplied thereto. Any other suitable means may be used in place ofthe AND circuit for comparing the pulses Pr and Fe with each other.

Switch means SW comprises fixed contacts SW1 SWr SWn, which are equal innumber to the columns of magnetic marks M on magnetic recording sheet S,and comprises a movable contact SWO which slidably engages the fixedcontacts in synchronism with the rotation of drum 231 so as tosuccessively engage the fixed contacts. Thus, pulses Pa released fromthe AND circuit are distributed successively to the fixed contacts SW1SWr SWn by movable contact SWO.

Assuming that the magnetic marks M in the first row on recording sheet Sare arranged in the following order: first column second column thirdcolumn fifth column sixth column seventh column rth column the pulses Paproduced by the AND circuit are arranged in the following order as shownin FIG. 12C: Pal Pa2 Pa3 Pad Pa5 Pa6 Pa7 Par These successively producedpulses are supplied to the contacts SW1, SW2 SWr of switch means SW asshown in FIGS. 12A 12K.

When drum 231 has made one complete revolution, reproducing head 36begins to read the magnetic marks M of the second row on the magneticrecording sheet S, and signal pulses are likewise supplied to the fixedcontacts of switch SW. This cycle of operation is repeated until all themagnetic marks M are read by reproducing head 36. When the magneticmarks M are arranged in 24 columns on sheet S, there are 24 fixedcontacts in switch SW, so that the contact corresponding to contact SWnis a contact SW24.

The fixed contacts SW1 SWr Swn are connected to respective amplifiers AlAr An, as shown in FIG. 10, and the amplifiers are connected torespective electromagnets Mgl Mgr. Mgn of the printing mechanisms. Thesignal, when applied to an electromagnet Mg, energizes theelectromagnet. The signal pulse Par passed through fixed contact SWr andamplifier Ar, as shown in FIG. 10, is applied through electromagnet Mgr,shown in FIG. 6. The operation of the printing mechanism after thesignal pulse is applied to the electromagnet Mgr is similar to theoperation of the printing mechanism described with reference to thefirst embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a circuit for distributing pulses Pa to therespective printing mechanisms by the mechanical movement of the movablecontact SWO. However, contactless electronic switch means comprising, incombination, a diode matrix D.M. and flip-flop circuits F.F., as shownin FIG. 1 1, may be used as a signal pulse distributing means. Likereference characters in FIGS. 10 and 11 designate similar parts in thesefigures, so that detailed description of these like parts can beomitted.

In the arrangement shown in FIG. 11, a pulse from the AND circuit is fedinto a diode matrix D.M. where it is checked with a clock pulseintroduced into the diode matrix, through a flip-flop circuit F.F., anddistributed to a respective output. When this contactless switch meansis employed, diode matrix D.M. is of the type having five columns andfive rows, and five flipfiop circuits F.F. are provided and connected toone another. Reset means Re is provided additionally in this circuit, sothat resetting may be effected each time the magnetic marks of one roware read by reproducing head 36 as drum 231 makes one completerevolution. The provision of reset means Re is effective to preventmisoperation of diode matrix D.M.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that theinvention apparatus, for reproducing information recorded on a magneticrecording sheet, offers many advantages. Thus, it operates to provideclock pulses by means of a small opening or small openings formed in themounting drum, a light source and a photoelectric transducer element orelements, which cooperate with each other. This arrangement is effectiveto produce clock pulses without error. Additionally, since the clockpulses and the pulses produced when the magnetic marks are read by thereproducing head, are compared with each other, it is possible toeliminate noises and the like from the signal pulses. The inventionapparatus is dependable in performance in reproducing information.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown anddescribed in detail to illustrate the application of the principles ofthe invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodiedotherwise without departing from such principles.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for reproducing information, recorded on a magneticrecording sheet in columns with correspondingly located information bitsin adjacent columns being aligned with each other, comprising, incombination, a rotatably mounted drum having means to support arecording sheet on its outer surface with the columns of recordedinformation extending substantially axially of said drum and with thealigned correspondingly located information bits defining a helicallocus; a magnetic reproducing head cooperable with a recording sheetmounted on said drum, said head being mounted for movement axially ofsaid drum to track such helical locus; means operable to rotate saiddrum and simultaneously to shift said head axially of said drum;photoelectric transducer means extending circumferentially of said drumwith each column of recorded information on the sheet mounted on saiddrum having a respective transducer means axially aligned therewith;each photoelectric transducer means including, as elements, a lightsource, a photoelectric transducer and an aperture in thecircumferential wall of said drum, said elements being arranged on acommon radial plane of said drum with the light source and photoelectrictransducer on opposite sides of said circumferential wall; the number ofat least one of said elements being at least equal to the number ofcolumns of recorded information of a magnetic recording sheet mounted onsaid drum; whereby a photoelectric transducer means is operated whenevera light source, an aperture and a photoelectric transducer are radiallyaligned each time said reproducing head is aligned with a respectivecolumn; a plurality of printing mechanisms arranged in adjacent relationin a number equal to the number of said photoelectric 2. Apparatus forreproducing information, as

claimed in claim 1, in which the angular spacing of said photoelectrictransducer means, relative to the axis of said drum, is equal to theangular spacing of the columns of recorded information on the sheetmounted on said drum.

3. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 2, inwhich there is a single light source arranged on one side of saidcircumferential wall in fixed relation to a single aperture in saidcircumferential wall; said photoelectric transducers being disposedcircumferentially of said drum on the opposite side of saidcircumferential wall, and the number of said photoelectric transducersbeing at least equal -to the number of columns of recorded informationon the magnetic recording sheet mounted on said drum.

4. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 3, inwhich each photoelectric trans ducer is connected in series with arespective means operable to actuate a respective printing mechanism;said photoelectric transducers being connected in parallel to saidreproducing head and serving as switch means controlling transmission ofoutput pulses from said reproducing head to said means operable toactuate the respective printing mechanisms.

5. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 4, inwhich each of said respective means operable to actuate the respectiveprinting mechanisms comprises an electromagnet and a pivoted armatureconnected to a respective printing mechanism; each electromagnet beingenergized responsive to receipt of a pulse from said reproducing headand remaining deenergized in the absence of pulses from said reproducinghead.

6. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 2, inwhich said photoelectric transducer means includes a single light sourceand a single photoelectric transducer arranged in radial alignment onopposite sides of said circumferential wall of said drum, and aplurality of apertures extending circumferentially of said drum and in anumber at least equal to the number of columns of recorded informationon the magnetic recorded sheet mounted on said drum; and switching meansoperable in synchronism with the rotation of said drum to connect saidphotoelectric transducer successively to said respective means operableto actuate the respective printing mechanisms,

7. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 6,including an AND circuit having an output connected to said switchmeans, a first input connected to said photoelectric transducer and asecond input connected to said reproducing head; said AND circuittransmitting an operating pulse to said switch means only responsive topulses applied simultaneously 8. Apparatus for reproducing information,as

claimed in claim 7, in which said re spective means operable to actuatethe respective printing mechanisms comprises respective electromagnetseach having operatively associated therewith a pivoted armatureconnected to the associated printing mechanism; said switch meanscomprising a plurality of fixed contacts each connected to a respectiveelectromagnet, and a rotatable contact connected to the output of saidAND circuit and rotated in synchronism with rotation of said drum andsuccessively engaging said fixed contacts.

9. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 7, inwhich said respective means operable to actuate the respectivemechanisms comprises respective electromagnets each having a respectivearmature operatively associated therewith and connected to theassociated printing mechanisms; said switch means comprising a diode'matrix having respective outputs connected to respective electromagnets,and an input connected to the output of said AND circuit.

10. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 9,including flip-flop means connected to said diode matrix and to saidreproducing head and controlling shifting of the outputs of said diodematrix; and reset means connected to said flip-flop means and to saidreproducing head to reset saidflip-flop means each time said reproducinghead has completed one scanning of all of the columns of recordedinformation on the magnetic recording sheet mounted on said drum.

1. Apparatus for reproducing information, recorded on a magneticrecording sheet in columns with correspondingly located information bitsin adjacent columns being aligned with each other, comprising, incombination, a rotatably mounted drum having means to support arecording sheet on its outer surface with the columns of recordedinformation extending substantially axially of said drum and with thealigned correspondingly located information bits defining a helicallocus; a magnetic reproducing head cooperable with a recording sheetmounted on said drum, said head being mounted for movement axially ofsaid drum to track such helical locus; means operable to rotate saiddrum and simultaneously to shift said head axially of said drum;photoelectric transducer means extending circumferentially of said drumwith each column of recorded information on the sheet mounted on saiddrum having a respective transducer means axially aligned therewith;each photoelectric transducer means including, as elements, a lightsource, a photoelectric transducer and an aperture in thecircumferential wall of said drum, said elements being arranged on acommon radial plane of said drum with the light source and photoelectrictransducer on opposite sides of said circumferential wall; the number ofat least one of said elements being at least equal to the number ofcolumns of recorded information of a magnetic recording sheet mounted onsaid drum; whereby a photoelectric transducer means is operated whenevera light source, an aperture and a photoelectric transducer are radiallyaligned each time said reproducing head is aligned with a respectivecolumn; a pluraliTy of printing mechanisms arranged in adjacent relationin a number equal to the number of said photoelectric switch means, eachprinting mechanism being operatively associated with a respectivephotoelectric transducer means; and respective means operable,responsive to operation of a photoelectric transducer meanssimultaneously with detection of a scanned information bit in theassociated column by said reproducing head, to actuate the respectiveprinting mechanism to print a visible information bit on a printingsheet.
 2. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 1,in which the angular spacing of said photoelectric transducer means,relative to the axis of said drum, is equal to the angular spacing ofthe columns of recorded information on the sheet mounted on said drum.3. Apparatus for reproducing information, as claimed in claim 2, inwhich there is a single light source arranged on one side of saidcircumferential wall in fixed relation to a single aperture in saidcircumferential wall; said photoelectric transducers being disposedcircumferentially of said drum on the opposite side of saidcircumferential wall, and the number of said photoelectric transducersbeing at least equal to the number of columns of recorded information onthe magnetic recording sheet mounted on said drum.
 4. Apparatus forreproducing information, as claimed in claim 3, in which eachphotoelectric transducer is connected in series with a respective meansoperable to actuate a respective printing mechanism; said photoelectrictransducers being connected in parallel to said reproducing head andserving as switch means controlling transmission of output pulses fromsaid reproducing head to said means operable to actuate the respectiveprinting mechanisms.
 5. Apparatus for reproducing information, asclaimed in claim 4, in which each of said respective means operable toactuate the respective printing mechanisms comprises an electromagnetand a pivoted armature connected to a respective printing mechanism;each electromagnet being energized responsive to receipt of a pulse fromsaid reproducing head and remaining deenergized in the absence of pulsesfrom said reproducing head.
 6. Apparatus for reproducing information, asclaimed in claim 2, in which said photoelectric transducer meansincludes a single light source and a single photoelectric transducerarranged in radial alignment on opposite sides of said circumferentialwall of said drum, and a plurality of apertures extendingcircumferentially of said drum and in a number at least equal to thenumber of columns of recorded information on the magnetic recorded sheetmounted on said drum; and switching means operable in synchronism withthe rotation of said drum to connect said photoelectric transducersuccessively to said respective means operable to actuate the respectiveprinting mechanisms.
 7. Apparatus for reproducing information, asclaimed in claim 6, including an AND circuit having an output connectedto said switch means, a first input connected to said photoelectrictransducer and a second input connected to said reproducing head; saidAND circuit transmitting an operating pulse to said switch means onlyresponsive to pulses applied simultaneously
 8. Apparatus for reproducinginformation, as claimed in claim 7, in which said respective meansoperable to actuate the respective printing mechanisms comprisesrespective electromagnets each having operatively associated therewith apivoted armature connected to the associated printing mechanism; saidswitch means comprising a plurality of fixed contacts each connected toa respective electromagnet, and a rotatable contact connected to theoutput of said AND circuit and rotated in synchronism with rotation ofsaid drum and successively engaging said fixed contacts.
 9. Apparatusfor reproducing information, as claimed in claim 7, in which saidrespective means operable to actuate the respective mechanisms comprisesrespective electromagnets eacH having a respective armature operativelyassociated therewith and connected to the associated printingmechanisms; said switch means comprising a diode matrix havingrespective outputs connected to respective electromagnets, and an inputconnected to the output of said AND circuit.
 10. Apparatus forreproducing information, as claimed in claim 9, including flip-flopmeans connected to said diode matrix and to said reproducing head andcontrolling shifting of the outputs of said diode matrix; and resetmeans connected to said flip-flop means and to said reproducing head toreset said flip-flop means each time said reproducing head has completedone scanning of all of the columns of recorded information on themagnetic recording sheet mounted on said drum.